Undiscovered Spain: A Castle in the Clouds

April 11, 2017

Finally, my explorings for the Blog Series: Undiscovered Spain continue. While checking out the lists of the most beautiful Spanish villages I came across Xativa. I should admit I´ve heard of it before, but so far it was always one of these places “on the way to somewhere” and I decided it was finally time to make a stop in Xativa. I´ve never thought I could find a real-life Castle in the Clouds in the heart of the Valencian Community…

Xativa (Jativa) is a small rural town with no more than 30.000 inhabitants and only 60 km far from Valencia. It´s a perfect day-trip idea when visiting Valencia and I still wonder why it took me so long to finally visit this place. From now on I could claim with all certainty: together with Morella and Peñiscola, – the Xativa Castle is one of my favorites in Spain.

Castillo Mayor

Due to its strategical location, through centuries Xativa played an important role in the area.

The main site of the city is the Xativa Castle. You could see it on the top of the mountain while approaching the city by car. Nevertheless, once you reach it – these amazing views blow your mind. I couldn´t help the feeling of being in the clouds. It´s not the highest mountain I´ve climbed, but probably the plain landscape all around it – which gives you this “out of this world” feeling.

The views of Castillo Menor

The Xativa Castle consists of two parts – Castillo Menor and Castillo Mayor – from each one you get a wonderful panorama of another part. I expected the castle interiors would be empty. However, in Castillo Mayor I´ve discovered some interesting expositions dedicated to life, defense and historical figures.

Capilla de San Jorge

Another interesting fact about Xativa is that it was a birthplace of two Popes – Calixtus 3rd and Alexander 6th, both members of the famous Borja (Borgia) family. Within a castle, you could find a small exposition dedicated to Borja.

What a castle without stunning Mediterranean tiles?!

Even though the Borja exposition only has several rooms, from the first glimpse of it you could notice everything is decorated so elegantly…

While heading to the top of Castillo Mayor, I went across the garden (or what´s left from it). No flowers around, but the fountains looked nice anyway.

What´s left from the Xativa governer´s room: it should have had quite a view…

Another curious fact about the Xativa Castle that has surprised me a lot: in 1150 Europe´s first paper mill was found here, using rice and straw as the raw materials. The first paper was brought to Europe all the way from China across the Middle East. It´s incredible that this small city has played such an important role in the history of papermaking.

Useful info:

Xativa could be reached from Valencia both by car and train

The Xativa Castle is open from 10 a.m to 18 p.m for the winter season and from 10 a.m to 19 p.m for the summer season. Entrance price: 2,40 euros

there are several parkings, one of them right by the entrance to the Castle (it is almost always full). Most people leave cars at the Parking Subida al Castillo and walk 20 min upwards to the castle

there is a tourist train departing from the TouristInfo of Xativa (Font del Lleó) at 12:30 and 16:30. Once there, you have an hour for a visit (it took me 2h though) Train price:4,20 euros

The Xativa Castle has a restaurant inside and another cafe near the Parking Subida al Castillo (both used to be full, book in advance or grab a bite off the typical Spanish schedule 1.30 p.m – 4 p.m)

This place is so impressive! I start to think how it was designed and built in such a “difficult” place. I would get crazy castle hopping in Spain. The Community of Valencia keeps surprising me. #TheWeeklyPostcard

Spain is for me more or less an unknown. Of course, I was in Madrid or Valencia, but as you write there is so many small towns that worth a visit. Thanks for the tip, and beautiful pictures. #TheWeeklyPostcard badge

It is really amazing how beautiful our country is and I hope your articles help people to discover the Valencia Region beyond the beaches. Spain is absolutely much more than sun!!
Sometimes, even we don’t take enough time to visit and enjoy our Innland villages most of them hidden between mountains, witnesses of our rich history. These towns are quiet and calm. They don’t make any noise and it’s great you speak up for them!!

Meet Me At Lifestyle Crossroads

Anna

Passionate world traveler. Mom of a little girl. Positive thinker. Art enthusiast. Lover of good books and photography. Yogi. Enjoy connecting with interesting people from across the globe. Read more...